NFL Week 14 Predictions

As the weather turns colder (though less noticeably so here in South Carolina), the playoff picture is starting to come into focus.  Last week, the Packers and the 49ers became the first two teams to clinch a spot in the postseason, and four more teams could have a playoff berth locked down at the end of the day on Sunday.  So let's get right to it.

Last Week: 12-4
Season: 121-71 (63.0 %)

Steelers over Browns

• Last week's 35-7 rout of the Bengals was just the kind of game that Steelers fans needed to restore their faith in Pittsburgh's ability to play dominant football for a full sixty minutes.  Despite Cleveland's pitiful 4-8 record, Big Ben will have his hands full tonight, as the Browns boast the NFL's top passing defense.  The Steelers' pass defense is a close second, which means this game will be won or lost on the ground.  Rashard Mendenhall found the end zone twice against Cinci's stingy defense, while Peyton Hillis has been hampered by injuries most of this season, not to mention Pittsburgh gives up about 55 less rushing yards per game.  Advantage Steelers.  

More to come.  Stay frosty, y'all!  B-)
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UPDATE, 12/11/11:  And now for the rest of the weekend:

Ravens over Colts

• Let's see, Dan Orlovsky against Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs... This one's like bringing a plastic spoon to a laser gun fight.  Though if the Colts are ever going to win a game this season, now would be the perfect time to do it.   (That's just the Pittsburgh fan in me talking.)  

Falcons over Panthers

• The Falcons sputtered last week against the Texans and their third-string quarterback.  They'll redeem themselves this week, though that's not to say Cam Newton won't give them a fight.  

Bengals over Texans

• The Bengals have struggled in recent weeks, but they should regain their hold on a playoff spot with a win over a Houston team that's missing its top two quarterbacks and WR Andre Johnson.  

Lions over Vikings

• It's fortunate for Detroit that the second half of Ndamukong Suh's two-game suspension comes against the Vikings, who will most likely be without RB Adrian Peterson once again.  QB Christian Ponder is also questionable for Sunday's game.  It just keeps getting worse for Minnesota.  

Jaguars over Buccaneers

• Maurice Jones-Drew should have plenty of room to run against Tampa Bay's lackluster defense. 

Dolphins over Eagles

• How's this for a reversal of fortunes?  The Eagles are floundering, while the Dolphins have been on fire lately.  Mike Vick will be back for Philly on Sunday, and who knows, maybe we'll catch another rare sighting of Reggie Bush too.  

Chiefs over Jets

• The Chiefs might not make the playoffs this year, but at least their defense will help Todd Haley to keep his job for another season.  Just wait until Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry comes back next year, then they'll really be something fierce!  

Saints over Titans

• I kept flip-flopping on this pick until I finally decided to just go with my first guess and pick the Saints.  Sure, their defense isn't that great, but they're much better at stopping the run than the pass, which works in their favor considering that Tennessee should be relying more and more on its running game now that RB Chris Johnson is starting to look like his old self again.  And it's pretty hard to pick against the top offense in the league and a quarterback who's on pace to break Dan Marino's single-season yardage record.  

Patriots over Redskins
49ers over Cardinals
Broncos over Bears

• The Bears might be able to slow down Denver's running game, but they've got absolutely nothing going for them on offense with Caleb Hanie at quarterback and RB Matt Forte likely done for the season.  

Packers over Raiders

• The Packer's hopes of a perfect season came as close as they've ever been to being dashed to pieces last Sunday against the Giants, but they still came out with the W.  They've got it a little easier this week against the Raiders' defense.  For Oakland to pull off the upset, their offense will need to chip away at Green Bay's defense in order to keep Aaron Rodgers off the field as much as possible.  

Chargers over Bills
Giants over Cowboys

• The G-Men put up quite a fight against the undefeated Packers last week.  I like their chances in Big D on Sunday night.  And speaking of D, this game features the two teams in the NFC with the most sacks, so if you're a fan of hard-hitting, smash-mouth football, this is definitely the one to watch.  

Seahawks over Rams

• The 'Hawks have had a pretty disappointing season, but they've managed to pull some upset wins out of their butts every once in a while.  RB Marshawn Lynch has been a beast for Seattle this season, and he should put up some big numbers against a banged-up St. Louis team that's dead last in run defense.  It's anyone's guess who'll be starting at quarterback for the Rams on Monday night. 

Stay frosty, y'all! 

B-)